Community Solar

Solar is in your community

With over 300 days of sunshine, our community is a logical choice for solar. Solar arrays collect energy from the sun and convert to DC power, which is then converted to AC power via an inverter. Community solar is an easy, affordable option for people to share the cost of a solar array. To provide our customers this unique option, we built the first local community solar project at our facility in Kennewick in 2015 and constructed a second project at our facility in Prosser in 2016.

Community Solar Incentives

In July 2017, a new Washington State Renewable Energy System Incentive Program was adopted. Benton PUD is voluntarily participating in the Program and its incentive cap was increased. Projects certified after October 1, 2017 are eligible for incentives for eight fiscal years, or until the cumulative incentive reaches 50 percent of the total system price, whichever occurs first. Participant’s state production incentive is based on the number of unit(s) they own.

Incentives are based on the fiscal year in which the system is certified.

Note: Washington State's fiscal year runs from July 1 - June 30 (i.e. 2018 incentives are issued for generation produced from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018).

In addition, participants receive a credit on their monthly bill based on the number of unit(s) they own.

Note: Participants who enrolled in the Ely Community Solar Project in Kennewick or Old Inland Empire Community Solar Project in Prosser remain on the old incentive program offered through June 2020.

Interested in Community Solar?

Benton PUD is considering a third community solar project at our facility in Prosser. If you are interested in receiving updates on the project, please contact us at solarconnections@bentonpud.org.

Community Solar Project Tours Available

Benton PUD built the first local community solar at our facility in Kennewick and a second project at our facility in Prosser. Both of these facilities are available to tour. To schedule a tour of one of our solar projects contact Solar Connections at (509) 582-1267.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Community Solar

What is community solar?

Community solar is a low-hassle option that generally offers a lower entry-price than rooftop solar and allows you to support a sustainable future through an investment in a renewable source of energy – solar. You and others in your community come together to share in the cost of the construction of a solar electric system. Relative to an investment in customer solar, you can purchase units in smaller increments resulting in a more affordable investment. You also don’t have to worry about siting, permitting, securing a contractor to install the solar panels or ongoing maintenance of the panels and equipment.

Why does Benton PUD offering community solar?

Benton PUD has a long history of investing in renewable energy sources. Currently, Benton PUD’s resource portfolio is over 76% hydroelectric power and over 91% carbon-free.

At the same time, customer interest in solar is growing. Due to current Washington State solar subsidies, community solar offers individuals interested in solar a unique opportunity to recover their upfront investment in a short time frame. Benton PUD wants to be the Trusted Energy Partner to our customers and provide assistance and solutions for those who wish to invest in solar, whether it is a rooftop solar system or a community solar project.

How big are the projects? How much electricity will it produce?

The Ely Project has 272 panels and produces approximately 75 kilowatts, enough electricity to meet the annual needs of approximately six average homes. The Old Inland Empire (O.I.E.) Project has 88 panels and produces approximately 24.2 kilowatts, enough electricity to meet the annual needs of approximately two average homes.

Yes, a unit(s) may be transferred to a charity or a nonprofit organization that is a Benton PUD customer. A customer receiving a donation is required to sign a Participation Agreement and is subject to the 40 unit maximum (Note: Multiple participants may transfer unit(s) to same charity or nonprofit organization but the total units transferred may not exceed 40 units).